Automatic electrical humidifier



0a; 17, 19331 E. A. REID 1,930,171

AUTOMATIC ELECTRICAL HUMIDIFIER Filedduly 29, 1,932 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Oct; 17, 1933. E. A. REID AUTOMATIC ELECTRICAL HUMIDIFIER 4 Sheets-She et 3 Filed July 29, 1932 0d. 17, 1933. REID 1,930,771

AUTOMATIC ELECTRICAL HUMIDIFIER Filed July 29, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Oct. 17, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 23 Claims.

This invention relates to electrical humidifiers in which a relatively small supply of liquid is automatically maintained and vaporized continuously or intermittently. It is adapted for use on water or steam pressure systems and the like.

Electrical humidifiers for residential use have been designed and operated by employing bodies of water in substantial volume and heating the water, especially through closed circuit unit heaters. Previously the purpose has been to expose a correspondingly large area of the water surface to the atmosphere at temperatures considerably below boiling. Heating water under these conditions, being slow and gradual, produces slow evaporation.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide an automatic, electrical humidifier for residential use which is compact, efficient, and convenientlyconnected to water or steam pressure systems and the like.

Another object of my invention is to provide rapid vaporization of a relatively small volume of liquid continuously or intermittently.

A further object of my invention is to provide automatic means for closing the electric circuit or for the interruption of the electric circuit by the use of spaced electrodes, the liquid transmitting the current between the electrodes.

A still further object of my invention is to provide adjustable electrodes as means for regulating the rate of vaporization and the rate of current consumption.

A still further object of my invention is to provide through automatic control a continuous or intermittent, regulated supply of liquid at reduced pressure from water or steam pressure systems and the like.

A still further object of my invention is to provide an automatic shut-01f from the water or steam source of supply in case of interrupted electrical supply, and an automatic interruption of the electrical supplyin case the liquid supply is shut off, and also an automatic resumption of operations when either the liquid supply or the electric supply is resumed.

I attain these objects by mechanism illustrated I in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a front elevation of the device; Fig. 2, a top plan; Fig. 3, a vertical section on line 3-3 of Fig. 4; Fig. 4a section on line 44 of Fig. 3; Fig. 5, a vertical section on line 5-5 of Fig. 2; Fig. 6; a bottom view of cap 25; Fig. '7, front view of the upper electrode; Fig. 8, bottom view of the upper electrode; Fig. 9, bottom view of lower electrode; Fig. 10, a side view of lower electrode; Fig. 11, front view of float adjustment and valve operating mechanism; Fig. 12, sectional view of fioat adjustment and valve operating mechanism on line 12-12 of Fig. 11; Fig. 13, sectional, front view of a modified form of construction of the device; Fig. 14, sectional, front view of another modified form of construction of the device; Fig. 15, sectional, side view of a further modified form of construction of the device; Fig. 16, sectional, front view of the modified construction shown in Fig. 15; Fig. 1'7, front view of a modified construction of adjustable electrodes; Fig. 18, side view of modified construction of Fig. 1'7.

Similar-numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

As illustrated in the drawings, Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the device comprises float receptacle 28 and electrode receptacle 29 and is provided with caps 25 and 26' respectively. The receptacles 28 and 29, made of moulded, insulating material, preferably moulded, insulating, resilient material, are mounted on a metal base 30. On the threaded end 31 of base 30 is screwed a stop valve 32, and at this point, through a standard pipe thread 33 of stop valve 32, a connection is made to the source of liquid supply. This connection also serves for the mounting of the device.

To ensure dependable regulation in the continuous admission of liquid which is of relatively small volume a pressure reducing valve is incorporated in base 30.

As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the liquid enters and flows through opening 34 of valve 32 and through passage 35 into cavity 36 with initial pressure holding valve 37 against the seat 38. This circular valve seat 38 is made of composi tion material, having a center hole, to pass the liquid and through which the center stem of valve 37 moves. The circular valve 3'7 is made of non-corrosive material and provided with tapered shoulders and a ring projection for seating, positive seaiings being ensured by the use of a coiled spring 39 and aperforated disc 40 acting as backing for the spring.

The strainer 41 is held in position ahead of perforated plate 40. The bushing 42 is provided with a gasket 43 and screwed into cavity 44. The diametrical slot 45 connects with center hole 46 and permits the flow of liquid through bushing 44 into the reduced pressure cavity 4'7. The diaphragm 48, preferably of laminated metal, actuated by the coiled spring 49, which in turn opens or permits the closing of valve 3'7, is held water tight by casing 50 being screwed into place over threaded portion of base 30 and serves to form a water tight low pressure cavity 4'7.

The range of reduced pressures are obtained through the adjustment of screw 51 on pressure plate 5'7. The knurled bushing 52 looks position of adjusting screw 51. The reduced pressure liquid such as water or condensate from steam or vapor is delivered from low pressure cavity 47 10 the regulating valve 53 through cavities 54.

The rate at which the liquid flows into float receptacle 28 is governed by the regulating valve 53, incorporated in base 30. The internal adjusting screw 55 is accessible by the removal of outer screw plug and gasket 56.- With the introduction of coiled spring 58, between the regulating valve 53 and the adjusting screw 55, an evenly regulated flow can be obtained.

Adjusting screw 55 is provided with a center hole. One desired effect of this hole is to permit the free by-passage of the regulated liquid for testing purposes. Longitudinal grooves 59 permit the regulated liquid to freely pass the body of valve 53.

As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the float receptacle 28 is adapted for mounting on the threaded extension boss 63 of base 30 with gasket 60 and nut 61. The alignment of receptacle 28 with base 30 is maintained by a flat section 62 on one side of the threaded boss 63. Receptacle 28 is further provided with fixed locking elements in the form of a projecting ring 64 around the rim, adapted to engage cover 25, which is preferably made of moulded, resilient, insulating material, and provided with diametrically spaced, locking lugs 65, shown on Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, adapted to be sprung into interlocking engagement with projecting ring 64.

The metal float 66, Fig. 3, is provided with a vertical, center hole 6'7, with upper boss extension 68, and lower, 69. The float 66 freely rises and lowers on spindle 70 with the admission and discharge of the regulated water. The function of the float adjustment 71 and of the valve mechanism 72, contained in receptacle 28, provides a definite, automatic admission of regulated water through valve '73, and a similar positive and automatic discharge of water through valve 74.

The cycle is produced by the admission of the regulated water through valve passage and valve '73 with float boss 69 resting on stop '75, an integral part of valve spindle 70.

The weight of the float 66 lowers spindle '70, counteracting the tension of spring 76 and lowering the pivot 77 of arms 78 below the center line of the bearing slots 79. The downward movement with the aid of spring 76 and the weight of the moving parts carry the arms 78 to an alternate position 86, openingadmission valve 73 and closing discharge valve 74. Valve 74 is shown in Fig. 5.

The admission cycle of the water now commences, the water raising the float from the discharged lever 80 toward the filled, low level 81. The rising float contacts with the float adjustment arm 71, the buoyancy of the float counteracting the spring tension 76, raising the arms 78 the length of slot 82 in the flattened, upper portion of spindle '70, thus with the combined action of the float and the spring tension snapping up arms 78 and valve spindle 70 into the former position. Valve spindle 70 is held in its vertical position by an upper bearing slot 87 and the lower hole at valve 74.

It will thus be seen that valves 73 and 74 are held respectively in fully opened and in fully closed positions by the valve mechanism and that the operation of the valve mechanism is alternately actuated by the float movement and that the float movement is lengthened or shortened through the adjustment of the indicating arm 85.

With the closing of admission valve 73 the back pressure immediately generated acts on the back of this valve and ensures its tightness. This back pressure is retroactive on diaphragm 48, permitting the automatic closing of pressure valve 37 and holding tightly against its seat 38 by the initial, high pressure behind the valve.

A necessary feature in the successful operation of humidifiers is the embodiment of wide range adjustments. This is accomplished by float adjustment in receptacle 28 and electrode adjustment in receptacle 29.

The float adjustment is provided with an irregular shaped, contact arm 71 with a pivotal bearing 77, the opposite end of the arm engaging slot 84 in indicating arm 85. The indicating arm 85 is supported at fulcrum point 90, Fig. 5, to frame '72. The upper end of arm 85 is received by slot 91 in cap 25 and exposed for operation throughout slot 91. The exposed end of indicating arm 85 is bent over to fit the width of the slot and has a slight protrusion engaging with graduations 92 in slot 91, by this means holding its regulated position. Adjusting the indicating arm 85 alters the contacting position of contact arm '71 with relation to float 66, obtaining a corresponding adjustment in the water level, contained in receptacle 28, ranging from filled low level 81 to the filled, high level 93 in Fig. 3.

The frame 72 supporting the float adjustment and valve mechanism is mounted in slots 94 and held in place by cap or cover 25. Notches 95 in inner rim 96 in Fig. 6, register an alignment between slot 91 and the float adjusting mechanism.

The discharged water from float receptacle 28 is delivered to electrode receptacle 29 through discharged valve 74 and passages 97. Screw plug with gasket 98 can be removed from passage 9'7 for testing and draining purposes.

Receptacle 29 is adapted with gasket 99 for mounting on threaded boss 100 ofbase 30 and secured in place by nut 101. A definite alignment is maintained between base 30 and receptacle 29 by fitting over the flattened face 102 of threaded boss 100.

Receptacle 29 is further provided with fixed locking elements in the form of a projecting ring 103, adapted to engage cover 26, which is preferably of moulded, resilient, insulating material, and provided with diametrically spaced, interlocking lugs 65 as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, adapted to spring into interlocking engagement with projecting ring 103, as shown in Fig. 3. The object of this feature is to provide simple and secure means for assembling and disassembling the caps on both the receptacles, 28 and 29.

Receptacle 29 is further provided with inner lugs which support the electrodes and with inside guides adapted for the adjustment of the upper electrode. The lower electrode 104 is supported on shoulders 105, incorporated in lugs 106 and 107. Upper shoulders 108 of lugs 106 provide a support and a stop for the upper electrode 109 when adjusted to its rapidly vaporizing position. The inside projections or guides 110 running vertically form slots 111, a means for assembling upper electrode 109 and a means for guiding the upper electrode 109 in its adjustment.

Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show the upper electrode 109 in a partially spherical form to effect a free circulation of the vaporizing liquid and the escape of the vapor from the superimposed, spaced electrodes. Outside projections 110 are formed or secured to the rim of electrode 109. The yoke 111' is permanently secured to projections 110', preferably by welding, forming an integral part of the electrode and providing electrical connection for upper electrode 109 through terminal screw 112.

Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 show the lower electrode 104 in a partially spherical form to efiect a free circulation of the vaporizing liquid and the escape of the vapor from the superimposed, spaced elec-' trodes. The outside projections 113, 114 and 116 are formed or secured to the rim of the electrode as a means for engaging with diametrically located slots 115. To effect this engagement-the electrode is centered between the four inside lugs 106 and 107 on shoulders 105 in receptacle 29. Then the projections 113 are slightly rotated to engage slots 115, thus placing projection 114 against lug 107. The divided portion 116 of projection 113 is then slightly bent downward against the opposite side of lug 107. This assembles the lower electrode 104' in a fixed position. The lead arm 118 is formed or secured to projection 114'providing electrical connection for lower electrode 104 through terminal screw 117.

An adjustment mechanism is provided to effect a definite, regulated spacing of the upper electrode, and more particularly the adjusting of the upper electrode 109 up and down in relation to lower electrode 104. This adjustment ranges from a simmering of the water to a rapid boiling and correspondingly it effects an increase or decrease in the current consumption.

In Fig. 3 this electrode adjustment consists of an insulating, indicating arm 119, supported at fulcrum point 120. The upper end of the insulated arm 119 is received by slot 121 in cap 28 and exposed for operation throughout slot 121. The upper end of thearm has a slight side protrusion engaging the graduations 122. By this means, and with the spring tension in the arm against the side of the slot, the indicating arm holds its regulated position. Slot 121 also emits the vapors.

The link 123 connects with upper electrode 109 at bearing pointl24 and with indicating arm 119 at bearing point 125, serving also as a support for 1 electrical wire 126. The frame 127 supporting indicating arm 119 is mounted in slots 128 in receptacle 29 and held in place by cap 26. Notches similar to 95 in inner rim 96, Fig. 6, register an alignment between slot 121 and the regulating frame 127.

The electric cable 130 enters receptacle 29 through an opening similar to 129, Fig. 9. One of the cable covered wires 126 passes through support 123 and is connected to terminal screw 112; The other covered wire 131 is looped around the cable just inside of receptacle 29 to prevent its being pulled outand is connected to terminal screw 117.-

The receptacles 28 and 29 are each equipped with openings 129, a further use of which is to.

facilitate means for the mounting and the removal of covers 25 and 26. See Fig. 5.

Fig. 13 shows a modification of my invention. It comprises a combination of'an outer float receptacle 132 and an inner electrode receptacle 133 under one cover 134. The receptacle and cover are preferably made of moulded, insulating, re-

silient material. The receptacles are adapted for mounting on the base 135 by means of the gaskets 136 and 137, nut 138 and screw 139. The base 135 constitutes a stop valve 32, pressure reducing valve50, regulating valve 140 and admission valve 141, similar to those shown in base 30, Fig. 3.

Through a standard pipe thread 33 of stop valve 32 a connection is made to the source of liquid supply. The connection also serves for the mounting of the device.. Theregulated liquid enters the outer float chamber 132. through admission valve 141 held in its open position by the valve,

raises the circular float 143 and the rising float contacts with the two diametrically located, adjustment screws 144 raising the screw arms 145 in the vertical guides 152 and the connected valve, operating yokes-146.

The yokes 146 are pivoted in V shaped bear-- ings under spring tension'and function between lower stops 148 and support stops 149. The yokes 146 are raised above the center line of pivot bearing 147. The action of spring 142 carries them to the alternate position against upper stop 149. This movement closes the admission valve 141: and opens the discharge valve 150. now discharged intoelectrode receptacle 133.

The float in its downward movement rests on stops 151 located on arms 145 and carries the valve operating yokes 146 downward to the point where spring 142 snaps them downward to the former position against the lower stops. This movement closes the discharge valve 150 and reopens admission valve 141 and thus continues to repeat the cycle.

The inner receptacle 133 contains the adjustable electrodes. The lower electrode 153 is fiat and has a centeraperture and outside lugs. These lugs engage with slots 154 and serve to secure the lower electrode. The upper adjustable electrode 155 is flat with a center aperture and formed projections that engage vertical guides 156.

The insulated electrode, adjusting turn knob and spindle 157 passes through cover 134 and is mounted in a threaded hole in the frame 158. The stem rotates freely in an insulated bushing 159, the lower end being guided in a centering hole 221. The insulated bushing 159 is secured to the moving upper electrode 155 and is held in the given position in spindle 157. A positive adjustment is obtained by the turning of the spindle 157. This operation is limited by the lock nuts on the spindle and the guide stop shoulders on the inside of receptacle 133.

The lower electrode 153 and the upper electrode 155 are connected with the source of electrical supply through terminal screws 159 and 160.

, The cover 134 is provided with a plurality of slots 161 for the emission of vapors. It is further provided with a threaded element 162 through which it engages with a similar, interlocking element on inner receptacle 133. Frame 158 is securely held in position between cover 134 and inner receptacle 133.

Fig. 14 shows another modification of my invention. This design combines the automatic, floatcontrolled, valve mechanism and the adjustable electrodes within one receptacle. The regulated liquid is admitted through an externally adjust- The liquid 1 ised, regulating valve and enters the receptacle below the water level- The receptacle 163, the cap 164 and the re t.

taining ring 165 are preferably made of moulded, insulating, resilient material. adapted for mounting on the base 166 by means of the gasket 167 and nut 168. The base 166 constitutes a stop valve 32 and a pressure reducing The receptacle is valve 50 similar to that shown in base 30, Fig. 3.

The liquid from externally operated, regulating valve169, and is admitted into receptacle 163 through admissionv valve 170. This valve is controlled by the toggle valve movement 171, similar to the toggle valve movement in Fig. 3. In this design the movement operates on one valve only.v

The fioat 172 moves freely up and down on valve operating, mechanism spindle 173 between stop 174 and adjusting nuts 175. Nuts 175 are adjustable on the threaded portion of 173 to vary the float travel and the quantity of water admitted into the receptacle.

The weight of the float 172 resting on stop 174 lowers the toggle arms shown in Fig. 3 until the spring snaps them downward to their lower position and through spindle 173 holds open "the admission valve. The float 172 rises with the admitted liquid to contact with the adjusting stop nuts 175, causing the toggle valve mechanism to move upward into its former position, closing the admission valve, 170. The vaporizing of the liquid lowers the float until contact is again made with stop 174 causing the admission cycle to be repeated. 7

The upper, conically shaped electrode has a center aperture and is secured to slots 1'76. The lower, adjustable conically shaped electrode has a center aperture and formed projections 177 diametrically located and assembled in vertical slots 178.

The projections 177 extend upward and engage spiral slots 179 and cap 164. A fractional rotation of the cap definitely adjusts the electrode. The electrodes are connected to their source of electrical supply through terminal screws 180 and 181.

The cap 164 is provided with'a plurality of openings to emit the vapors and with an arrow to indicate adjustments. The cap ring 165 is provided with a locking element 182 which engages a similar element on receptacle 163 and by a fractional turn is held in interlocking engagement with receptacle, at the same time permitting the free movement of cap 164.

The frame 183 which supports the valve operating mechanism 171 is mounted in slots provided in the upper part of receptacle 163 and held in place by the cap 164 bearing upon it.

The regulating valve 169 is provided with a graduated adjustment and a stem packing gland 184.' v

Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 show a further modification of my invention. The design combines the float valve and the adjustable electrodes within one receptacle. The regulated liquid is admitted through an externally adjusted, regulating valve and enters the receptacle above the water level. The upper section 185 and a lower section 186 are preferably made of moulded, in-

sulating, resilient material.

The upper section 185 is adapted for mounting on a metal support 187 by means of nut 188. The lower section 186 is provided with locking elements which engage with interlocking elements 189 in the upper section 185 and is held in place by screws 190. Openings are provided be tween the upper and lower sections for adjusting the electrodes and for emitting the vapors. The base 187 constitutes a stop valve 32 and a pressure, reducing valve 50, similar to that shown in base 30, Fig. 3. Through a standard pipe thread of stop valve 32 a connection is made to the source of liquid supply. The connection also serves for the mounting of the device.

The liquid from the pressure, reducing valve 50 is adjusted by the externally operated, regu-' lated valve 191 and is admitted into the receptacle through admission valve 192. This valve is controlled by the float 193. The arms 194 provide a means of support for the float. The float 193 closes the valve 192 tdprevent an excess of liquid and permit the reopening of the valve as the liquid lowers.

The lower, spherical electrode 197 has a center aperture and is secured in position by pin 195. The upper, adjustable, spherical electrode 196 has a central aperture and formed or secured vertical projections engage the vertical, side slots 198.

The upper ends of the vertical projections are provided with pins 199 which engage transversal slots in the disc-like members 200. The insulated, adjusting arm 201 which protrudes from opening 202 is secured to spindle 203 and has its fulcrum point in bearing frame 204. The slight protrusion of the upper end of the adjusting arm engage the graduations 205 in the side of opening 202. The electrodes are connected with the source of electrical supply through terminal screws 206 and 207. The regulating valve 191 is provided with a graduated adjustment and a stem packing gland 208.

The bearing frame 204 and the float support arms 194 are mounted under nut 188 and the insulating washer 222 insulates the adjustment mechanism from the support 187 and from the float 193.

Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 show a modified construction of adjustable electrodes. This method provides another means for obtaining adjustment in the rate of vaporization and the consumption of current. Although spherically formed electrodes are illustrated other shapes or forms may be used with or without perforations including flatv plates.

The electrodes 209 and 210 are assembled in a fixed relation to each other with .means for effecting a gradual introduction into or out of the liquid. In this case the crank spindle 211 in bearing blocks 21-2 constitute. the fulcrum points. The electrodes 209 and 210 are insulated by insulating blocks 213, being located between the lugs and terminal projections 214 and 215. The adjustment movement is effected through connecting arm 216 and insulated, adjusting arm 217 mounted on frame 218. The electrodes are connected to the source of electrical supply through terminal screws 219 and 220.

Although one form and four modifications of my invention have been shown and described it is to be understood that minor details and further modifications may be made without departure from the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In combination with a water pressure system as a means for providing a constant supply of water substantially in drops an automatic electrical humidifier comprising a receptacle in which a supply of water is evaporated by means of electrodes, a removable cap with openings effecting a distribution and a. relativelyunrestricted escape of the generated water vapor to the atmosphere, a communicating receptacle with means for automatically maintaining predetermined levels of water and with means for discharging said water continuously or intermittently to the said evaporating receptacle, and a receptacle base connected to said water pressure system with means for regulating said water supply substantially in drops.

2. In combination with a water pressure system as a means for providing a constant supply of water substantially in drops an automatic electrical humidifier comprising an inner receptacle in which a supply of water is evaporated by means of electrodes, a removable, cap with openings effecting a distribution and a relatively unrestricted escape of the generated water vapor to the atmosphere, an outer receptacle with means for. automatically maintaining predetermined levels of water and with means for discharging said water continuously or intermittently to the said evaporating receptacle, and a receptacle insulating base connected to said water pressure system with means for regulating the said water supply substantially in drops.

3. In combination with a water pressure system as a means for providing a constant supply of water substantially in drops an automatic electrical humidifier comprising a receptacle in which a supply of water is evaporated by means of electrodes, said receptacle provided with means for automatically. maintaining predetermined levels of water and with means for admitting said water continuously or intermittently, a removable cap with openings efiecting a distribution and a relatively unrestricted escape of the generated water vapor to the atmosphere, and a receptacle insulating base connected to said water pressure system with means for regulating the said water supply substantially in drops.

4. In combination with a water pressure system as a means for providing a constant supply of water substantially'in drops an automatic electrical humidifier comprising a removable receptacle in which a supply of water is evaporated by means of electrodes, an upper insulating sec-, tion engaging said receptacle and forming openings effecting a distribution and a relatively unrestricted escape of the generated water vapor to the atmosphere, said upper section connected to said water pressure system with means for regulating the said water supply substantially in drops and a further means for admitting and automatically shutting off said water supply.

5. In combination with a water or a steam pressure system as a means'for providing a constant supply of water or of condensate substantially in drops an automatic electrical humidifier comprising an insulating receptacle in which a supply of water is evaporated into water vapor continuously or intermittently by means of electrodes, said electrodes engaging the supporting members in the receptacle and providing means for efiecting a free circulation of the evaporating liquid and an easy escape of the vapor between said electrodes, the said liquid transmitting the current between said electrodes, and said receptacle provided with a removable cap with openings efiecting a distribution and a relatively unrestricted escape of the water vapor to the atmosphere.

6. In combination with a water or a steam pressure system as a means for providing a constant supply of water orof condensate substantially in drops an automatic electrical humidifier comprising an insulating receptacle in which a supply of water is evaporated into water vapor continuously or intermittently by means of electrodes one of which is adjustable, means for interrupting the electric circuit by the adjustment of said one electrode, said electrodes being provided with means for engaging with supporting members in the receptacle and with means for effecting a free circulation of the evaporating liquid and an easy escape of the vapor between the electrodes, the said liquid transmitting the current between the electrodes, and a removable cap with openings effecting a distribution and a relatively unrestricted escape of the water vapor to the atmosphere. v

7. In combination-with a water ora steam pressure system as a means for providing a constant supply of water or of condensate substantially in drops an automatic electrical humidifier comprising an insulating receptacle in which a supply of water is evaporated into water vapor continuously or intermittently by means of electrodes, said electrodes assembled in fixed relation to each other with means for engaging with supporting members in the receptacle and with means for effecting a gradual introduction into said liquid, means for eflecting a free circulation of the evaporating liquid and an easy escape of the vapor between the electrodes, the said liquid transmitting the current between the electrodes, and a removable cap with openings efiecting the distribution and a relatively unrestricted escape of the water vapor to the atmosphere.

8. In combination with a water or a steam pressure system as a means for providing a constant supply of liquid and for providing a mounting for the device an electrical humidifier comprising a receptacle or receptacles into which a regulated supply of liquid is automatically admitted continuously or intermittently, spaced electrodes connected with an electric circuit with means for effecting continuous or intermittent evaporation of the liquid and with means for effecting the interruption of said circuit, means for engaging said electrodes with supporting members in said receptacle or receptacles, interposed regulating means connecting with said pressure system to control the rate of flow of said liquid and to provide means for supporting said receptacle or receptacles, and means for effecting the distribution to the atmosphere of the generated vapors.

9. In combination with a water or a steam pressure system as a means for supplying a constant supply of liquid and for providing a mounting for the device an electrical humidifier comprising a receptacle or receptacles into which a small quantity ofliquid is automatically admitted continuously or intermittently, spaced electrodes which are adjustable with respect to each other connected with an electric circuit with means for efiecting continuous or intermittent evaporation of the liquid, means for engaging said electrodes with supporting members in said receptacle or receptacles, means for effecting a gradual introduction of said adjustable electrode or electrodes into said liquid, means for effecting the interruption of said circuit, interposed regulating means connecting with said pressure system to control the rate of flow of said liquid and to provide means for supporting said receptacle or receptacles, and means for efiecting the distribution to the atmosphere of the generated vapor.

10. In combination with a water or a steam pressure system as a means for supplying a constant supply of liquid and for providing a mounting for the device an electrical humidifier comprising a receptacle or receptacles into which a small quantity of liquid is automatically admitted continuously or intermittently, spaced electrodes assembled in a fixable relation with respect to each other and connected with an electric circuit with means for effecting continuous or intermittent evaporation of the liquid, means for engaging said electrode assemblage with supporting members in said receptacle or receptacles, means for efiecting a gradual introduction of said electrodes into said liquid and for effecting the interruption of said circuit, interposed regulating means connecting with said pressure system to control the rate of flow of said liquid and to provide means for supporting said receptacle or receptacles, and means for effecting the distribution to the atmosphere of the generated vapors.

11. In an electrically operated humidifier dispensing vapor to the atmosphere a receptacle or receptacles into which aquantity of liquid is automatically admitted continuously or intermittent- 1y, spaced electrodes connected with an electric circuit with means for effecting continuous or intermittent evaporation of the liquid, means for obtaining automatic shut-oil from the liquid supply in case of interruption in the electric current, means for obtaining automatic interruption of said electric circuit in case of failure in the flow of liquid, and regulating means connecting with a water or a steam pressure system and interposed between said receptacle or receptacles and said pressure system to provide a regulated flow of liquid.

12. A humidifier of the class described comprising a vaporizing receptacle made of insulating material with fixed locking elements adapted to engage a cap made of resilient material having one or more openings, said cap being provided with looking elements adapted to be sprung into interlocking engagement with said receptacle and being provided with an interior depending flange as means to prevent theileakage of vapor or condensate between said cap and receptacle.

13. A humidifier of the class described comprising a vaporizing receptacle made of moulded resilient insulating material with fixed locking elements adapted to engage a cap, said receptacle being provided with supporting lugs and-guides by means of which the electrodes are mounted and adjusted, and a cap made of moulded resilient insulating material having one or more openings, said cap being provided with locking ele-.

ments adapted to be sprung into interlocking engagement with said receptacle and being provided with an interior depending flange as means to prevent leakage of vapor or condensate between said cap and receptacle.

14. A humidifier of the class described comprising a vaporizing receptacle made of moulded, insulating material with a spiral, locking element adapted to'engage a cap, said receptacle being provided with supporting lugs and guides by means of which the electrodes are mounted and adjusted and a cap and locking ring combination, the said cap made of resilient material or of moulded, insulating material having one or more openings, said cap being provided with a locking ring adapted to be turned fractionally into the spiral, interlocking engagement with said receptacle. a

15. A humidifier of the class described comprising an outer and inner receptacle made of insulating material with a threaded, locking element adapted to engage a cap, said receptacle being provided with supporting'lugs and guides by means of which the electrodes are mounted .and the electrodes and float mechanisms are adjusted, and a cap made of moulded, insulating material having one or more openings, said cap being provided with a locking, element adapted to be turned into a threaded interlocking engagement withsaid receptacle.

16. Ahumidifierof the class described comprising in combination with a vaporizing receptacle and an upper section, said receptacle made of moulded, insulating material with fixed, locking elements adapted to engage an upper section, said receptacle being provided with supporting lugs and guides by means of which the electrodes .are mounted. and adjusted, and an upper secing the indicating arm.

18. A humidifier of the class described comprising in combination with a receptacle and a cap an electrode adjustment mechanism having an insulated, graduated turnknob, including a partly threaded stem and a connecting, insulating bushing in a threaded frame mounted in said receptacle, said cap having an opening to receive said turn knob.

19.'A humidifier of the class described comprising in combination with a receptacle, retaining ring and a cap and an electrode adjustment mechanism having said cap rotatable and including inside flanges with spiral slots, said slots engaging the electrode connectors, said rotatable cap indicating the electrode adjustment.

20. A humidifier of the class described comprising in combination with a vaporizing receptacle an upper section and an electrode, adjusting mechanism having an insulated, indicating, side arm and including connectors on a bearing frame mounted in said upper section, said receptacle and upper section combination having'a graduated side opening to receive said indicating arm.

'21. A humidifier of the class described comprising in combination with a receptacle and a cap a float adjustment and valve mechanism having an indicating arm and including an irregularly shaped float contactor pivoted on the valve operating spindle and connected to a spring tension device on a bearing frame mounted in the receptacle, the said cap having a graduated, slotted opening for receiving the indicating arm, said float adjustment and valve mechanism controlling the volume of water and the admission and discharge time cycle.

22. A humidifier of the class'- described comprising in combination with a receptacle 9. float adjustment and a valve mechanism having an adjusting screw or screws and including adjusting screw arms connected to valve operating yokes pivoted in pivotal bearings under spring tension and mounted toward the bottom in said receptacle, said float adjustment and valve mechanism-controlling the volume of water and the admission and discharge time cycle.

23. A humidifier oi the class described comprising in combination with a receptacle a float adjustment and valve mechanism having an adjusting nut or nuts and including a partly threaded valve, operating spindle connected to a spring tension device on a bearing frame mounted in the receptacle, said float adjustment and valve mechanism controlling the volume of water and the admission time cycle.

ELMER A. REID. 

